New Albany is a state of mind … but whose? Since 2004, we’ve been observing the contemporary scene in this slowly awakening old river town. If it’s true that a pre-digital stopped clock is right twice a day, when will New Albany learn to tell time?

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

SHANE'S EXCELLENT NEW WORDS: A six-pack of words that stumped me.

Around the time this column began, I signed up for "Word of the Day" from the Free Dictionary. You can, too.

These informative daily e-mails offer more than just words; there are quotes and tidbits from history, too.

Still, the words are the draw for me. Most of the time I know the daily words, but when I don't I try to set them aside for future reference. Following are six of them.

disjunct
(dĭs-jŭngkt′)Definition: (adjective) Marked by separation of or from usually contiguous elements.Synonyms: isolatedUsage: The islands were like little isolated worlds, as abruptly disjunct and unexpected as a palm-shaded well in the Sahara.

filipendulous
(ˌfɪlɪˈpɛndjʊləs)Definition: (adjective) Hanging by a thread.Synonyms: suspended (note: most dictionary pages don't list any synonyms ... is there a word for this?)Usage: "A group of filipendulous constructions that evoke Brobdingnagian hornets' nests." (The New Yorker; Sep 25, 1989).

froward
(frō′wərd, -ərd)Definition: (adjective) Stubbornly contrary and disobedient; obstinate.Synonyms: headstrong, self-willed, willfulUsage: Her siblings were obedient and well-behaved, but she was froward and stubborn.

exiguity
(ĕk′sĭ-gyo͞o′ĭ-tē)Definition: (noun) The quality or condition of being scanty or meager.Synonyms: leanness, meagerness, poorness, scantinessUsage: With an exiguity of cloth that would allow only one dress to be made, she selflessly offered that her sister go to the ball in her stead.

pasquinade
(păs′kwə-nād′)Definition: (noun) A satire or lampoon, especially one that ridicules a specific person, traditionally written and posted in a public place.Synonyms: parody, put-on, sendup, spoof, charade, lampoon, mockery, burlesque, travesty, takeoffUsage: The corrupt politician was a popular target of the pasquinades that were posted all over the city.

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How will we know that downtown revitalization is succeeding?

Downtown businessmen don't have to be told that racism is unacceptable.

Downtown coffee shops have enough business to be open evenings and weekends.